Give her a baby

American Adoptions - Under 18 — Putting a Baby Up for Adoption

Because it’s rarely part of the plan for a teenager to become pregnant, you’re probably wondering what to do next. Start by calling 1-800-ADOPTION for basic information about your options.

An unplanned pregnancy is a stressful time in your life and when you’re under 18, you may be unsure of what unplanned pregnancy options are available.

You may be thinking:

“Do you have to be a certain age to give your baby up for adoption?”
“Does a minor have the right to give a baby up for adoption?”
“Can a minor give up a child for adoption without parent permission?”

If you are underage, “giving up a baby” for adoption is always an option for you.

Just like an expectant mother of any age, you always have the right to decide what to do about your unplanned pregnancy. You will always be able to choose adoption for your unborn baby if you believe that is what’s best.

In many ways, the differences between an older person and a minor giving baby up for adoption are small. To learn more about this process, call our adoption specialists for free at 1-800-ADOPTION or fill out our online form to get information.

Until then, read this article and you’ll find important things to know about how to give your baby up for adoption when underage.

Can a Minor Place a Child for Adoption?

Yes, as an expectant mother who is a minor you may place your child for adoption if you feel it is the best decision.

In many cases, the laws are the same as an adult placing a child for adoption. However, depending on your circumstances and your state laws, you may need to involve your parents in this decision.

When most people ask, “Can a minor give a baby up for adoption?” they are thinking about anyone under 18 putting baby up for adoption.

Most teenage birth mothers are in high school, meaning they are at least 15 years old. The majority of state laws regarding minors placing babies for adoption protect these expectant mothers’ rights without interference from their parents.

So, specifically, does a minor need parents’ permission to give a baby up for adoption?

In most cases, the answer is no; many states will allow a teenager to make an adoption plan without her parents’ permission.

For states that do require a minor to give up a child for adoption with parent permission, “minor” usually applies only if you are under the age of 13 or 14. If you are this young, you may need parental permission to place your child for adoption. However, if you are older, you should be able to pursue adoption without legal consent from your parents or guardians.

Because every state’s adoption laws differ, we encourage any minor considering adoption to contact an adoption professional like American Adoptions or a local adoption attorney for more information about laws in their area.

How to Give Your Baby Up for Adoption if You are Underage

Barring any state requirements for parental permission, an expectant mother who is underage giving up a baby for adoption will follow the same steps as an expectant mother who is a legal adult. She will be in charge of her adoption decision and plan from beginning to end and she will always retain the right to change her mind at any time before she signs her consent.

Because many teenagers and minors live with their parents, it’s normal to wonder whether the baby’s grandparents will play a role in the adoption process. The answer is no — not unless the prospective birth mother wants them to.

Your parents cannot force you into a certain unplanned pregnancy option.

However, it may be a good idea for you and your parents to be on the same page about your pregnancy and the path you choose. They can be an immense help during your adoption process because you likely still depend on them — financially and emotionally.

Likewise, if you are considering parenting your child and your parents are not on board with your decision, there are a lot of important questions you’ll need to ask yourself should you choose to go this path alone.

If you think adoption may be the right choice, you are probably wondering how to give a baby up for adoption underage. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

First, you will need to contact American Adoptions.

Our professionals can discuss your preferences and goals to create a perfect adoption plan for you and your baby. Our specialists will provide the support and services you will need throughout your pregnancy and even after.

We can also provide services like:

24/7 counseling and support services: Adoption professionals are always ready to answer your call. With such a life-changing, emotional decision as adoption, counseling services are available pre-and post-placement to ensure you receive any help and support you may need.
Legal representation: Working with a trusted adoption attorney ensures all steps are being completed legally and ethically. When you choose American Adoptions, we provide you with the legal representation you need to feel comfortable and confident.
Financial assistance: Although adoption is always free for birth mothers, you may also be eligible for financial assistance. Your assistance will vary depending upon where you live and your specific situation, but your adoption professional will be able to explain this process and get you the aid you are entitled to.
Countless other benefits.

With over 25 years of experience as one of the nation's largest domestic infant adoption agencies, we have helped thousands of birth mothers place their child for adoption with our agency. We are confident we can help you, too.

Don’t just take it from us — read testimonials and stories from birth mothers who used our services to change their child’s life. If you are ready to learn more or even start your adoption today, call us at 1-800-ADOPTION or fill out our online form.

We fully understand that this is one of, if not the most important decision you will have to make. As you are considering adoption as a teenager, you may have a few other questions:

“Can you put a baby up for adoption if the father is underage?”

Birth father rights vary from state to state, so we encourage you to contact an adoption specialist for more information about the legalities of your situation.

In most cases, the age of the father will not impact your ability to place your child for adoption.

“Can a minor choose who adopts their baby?”

Yes! Every prospective birth mother has the right to choose the adoptive family she wants to adopt her baby.

Your adoption specialist will work with you to create a list of your preferences for adoptive parents, including:

Age
Marital status
Location
Occupations
Post-adoption contact
And more

Then, you will be presented with profiles of waiting families and be able to meet them before deciding they are right for your baby.

“Will a minor see her baby again after the adoption?”

The majority of adoptions today include open adoption relationships, meaning birth mothers share a relationship with the adoptive family and her baby after the adoption is complete.

You get to choose what kind of relationship you want after your adoption. It can be anything from pictures and letters to phone calls and emails or even in-person visits.

“If you give your baby up for adoption as a minor, could you get them back?”

Adoption is a permanent process. Once you give your consent to place your child for adoption (according to your state laws), you relinquish your parental rights.

You will be unable to “get your baby back,” which means you should be 100 percent confident in your choice before moving forward.

You do not have to be a certain age to give your baby up for adoption. You can choose to give your child the best life possible with a new adoptive family no matter how old you are.

To learn more about how to give your baby up for adoption underage and how the adoption process might work for you, call us at 1-800-ADOPTION or fill out our online form to get more information today.

Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. America Adoptions, Inc. provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.

Rihanna Gives Birth, Welcomes First Baby With A$AP Rocky

Watch: Rihanna Gives Birth, Welcomes BABY With A$AP Rocky

Rihanna has got love on the brain after giving birth to her first baby.

She and A$AP Rocky officially welcomed their first child together on May 13, multiple outlets have confirmed. The singer has reportedly given birth to a baby boy in Los Angeles.

After keeping quiet about the news from the public for months, the "Love on the Brain" singer confirmed her pregnancy in January.

In photos obtained by E! News at the time, Rihanna and A$AP were seen going for a stroll in New York City, with the singer baring her bump through a long pink coat and low-rise jeans. The iconic outfit was the first of many fashionable maternity looks.

In February, Rihanna made her first red-carpet debut since revealing she was pregnant at a Fenty Beauty and Fenty Skin event. At the time, the mom-to-be told E!'s Justin Sylvester that it was tough to keep the news a secret from her inner circle.

photos

A Look at Rihanna's Pregnancy Style

"It was harder for me to keep it from my posse, because they're around me, they know my habits," she said. "They're like, 'You don't want something to drink? You're not smoking?' And I'm eating all the things I'm not used to eating. They know I hate sweets and I'm all of a sudden asking for cookies and donuts. But finally, I just had to let it all out, and they were all shocked, of course, as the world was shocked as well. "

Image Press Agency/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

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The singer added that when she found out herself, it didn't feel real at first.

"When I first found out, it's not real, you know? I was like, 'This is not for real, right?'" she said. "And then, it was and it's almost like you don't want to get too excited too soon because it's great news, but you...want to see that it's going to see its way through. And I'm so glad that we're this far along and now I can celebrate with everyone."

BACKGRID

From celebrating love on the brain to a baby on the brain, Rihanna and A$AP's love story has had many chapters.

The two started out as friends and collaborators and sparked romance rumors back in December 2020, when they were spotted out together in New York. At the time, a source exclusively told E! News that the relationship was platonic.

"She wants to be single and isn't going to jump into something," the source said of Rihanna. "She's hanging out with A$AP Rocky, but she is not dating him."

As time went on, their chemistry seemed undeniable, but the pair continued to keep fans on their toes—that is until A$AP officially confirmed their romance in a 2021 interview with GQ, calling Rihanna "the love of my life." On the topic of fatherhood, A$AP expressed that he had full confidence if that was "his destiny."

"I think I'd be an incredible, remarkably, overall amazing dad," he told the publication. "I would have a very fly child. Very."

When asked by GQ what it was like to now settle down into a relationship, A$AP noted that it was "so much better."

"She amounts to probably, like, a million of the other ones. I think when you know, you know. She's the One." Flash-forward to now and his "one" has welcomed a little one to their family.

Take a look back at the couple's road to parenthood below!

Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic

September 2012

In 2012, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky performed their hit "Cockiness" at the MTV Video Music Awards, and their number was so good it deserved a trophy. This wouldn't be the last time the two shared the stage as they went on tour together in 2013.

ASAPROCKYUPTOWN / YouTube

September 2013

Fans had this song on replay after Rihanna and A$AP Rocky released the music video for "Fashion Killa" in 2013.

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

June 2018

As the years went on, they remained friends. In 2018, they attended the Louis Vuitton Menswear Spring/Summer 2019 show as part of Paris Fashion Week and, of course, they totally slayed.

Anthony Harvey/Shutterstock

December 2019

They also attended The Fashion Awards in 2019, with Rihanna dazzling in a mint Fenty dress and A$AP Rocky looking sharp in a black suit.

DIGGZY / SplashNews. com

January 2020

Romance rumors! After years of friendship and her split from Hassan Jameel, RiRi and A$AP Rocky fueled dating speculation with their joint outings and time together over the 2020 holidays.

Richard/Cesar/TheBigShotApp/Shutterstock

June 2021

Rihanna and A$AP seemingly confirmed their relationship by packing on the PDA in New York City

Arturo Holmes/MG21/Getty Images

September 2021

Met Gala official! Rihanna and A$AP Rocky attended the 2021 Met Gala together in style, with the "Umbrella" singer wearing a black Balenciaga gown and the "A$AP Forever" artist donning a custom ERL quilt and a tuxedo.

DIGGZY/SHUTTERSTOCK

February 2022

Baby joy! Rihanna and A$AP confirmed they're expecting their first child together with a glam photo shoot.

Image Press Agency/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

February 2022

That same month, Rihanna recalled keeping her pregnancy a secret from her friends. "It was harder for me to keep it from my posse, because they're around me, they know my habits," she told E!'s Justin Sylvester. "They're like, 'You don't want something to drink? You're not smoking?' And I'm eating all the things I'm not used to eating. They know I hate sweets and I'm all of a sudden asking for cookies and donuts. But finally, I just had to let it all out, and they were all shocked, of course, as the world was shocked as well."

Diggzy/Shutterstock

February 2022

SOS! These photos are so sweet! As Rihanna and A$AP prepared for their bundle of joy, she continued to show her incredible pregnancy style.

ASAPROCKYUPTOWN / YouTube

May 2022

While fans wondered if A$AP Rocky had proposed to Rihanna after seeing them sport the words "Marry me?" and "I do" across their teeth in his "D.M.B." video, sources close to the couple told TMZ in May 2022 the two aren't engaged.

BACKGRID

May 2022

And baby makes three! Multiple outlets report that the couple welcomed a baby in Los Angeles.

Game is a bottomless resource for a child

"You are in pain, scared, but you must endure and be obedient." The life of a child in a hospital is too strict. What will help him? Fund psychologists recommend.

"You feel uncomfortable, hurt, scared, but you must endure, be obedient and correct." The life of a child in a hospital is too strict. Set your own rules, express emotions, rehearse a procedure that causes fear, a game will help the patient.

But it so happens that we, adults, often consider the game to be something frivolous. There is even such a saying: business time, fun hour. That is, first you need to do things, and only then play. And, unfortunately, over the years, there is less and less room for play in the life of a child, even a very small one. It often seems to modern parents that, first of all, they need to take care of the education of their children. And even with preschoolers, adults now do a lot of work, go to developmental classes. The game - at home with toys or in the yard with peers - began to gradually turn into something optional and even exclusive.

Play occupies an important place in the development of children

Play is children's work. In psychology, there is the concept of "leading activity." At every age, children have a type of activity that is the main one, during which the child gets the maximum for his development. At preschool age it is a game. And not because the child just hasn't gone to school yet. The game is something through which he grows up, something that stimulates and facilitates this process.

The game is multifaceted, the possibilities hidden in it are like treasures - you can search endlessly! If the child plays, then he is comfortable and safe. It is impossible to play if you feel tense, squeezed. Playing is a manifestation of spontaneity and creativity, in order to play, you need to be ready to experiment, if you want to feel alive.

At the same time, in any game there are limits, each game has rules, and this is what the child learns by playing. Yes, he is creative, active, but he will achieve the best result when he follows the rules. Especially if he's not playing alone. By the way, not only board or sports games have rules. In games in a store or a hospital, the plot is immediately set, the participants distribute roles, agree on what to do if someone plays dishonestly.
While playing, the child learns what they are - the rules, learns to deal with them creatively - to establish, convince others to accept them, he himself accepts what others have established, changes, violates and observes the reaction. And all this takes place in a safe environment: as they say, "no one involved in the game was injured as a result."

Game is impossible without communication. While playing, the child learns to interact with other people. Even when he plays alone, he communicates with toys, he has imaginary friends, you can hear him talking to himself, acting out different roles, replaying situations, learning to have a dialogue. Take a closer look at how children play, the game can show and tell interested parents a lot.

Deal with emotions

Play is known to help express emotions. Often, faced with something that cannot be influenced, children feel helpless. For example, someone offended them, something strange happened in their family or life. Or the child fell ill and is in the hospital: he needs to undergo unpleasant procedures, let himself be examined by strangers. In this situation, the game can be very healing for children, because it allows them to live, change and turn an unpleasant situation in many different directions. At the Dima Rogachev Center for Pediatric Hematology, psychologists often play various medical games with children: they treat toys or treat each other. They advise parents to buy toy medical kits for babies, we ask nurses to leave everything they can: let the children play with this too! Play is an important tool in working with children in the hospital and is one of the principles on which the Child Life approach is based.

Prepare for the coming changes

The game can be used not only to live out what has already happened, but also as a training, preparation for the future difficult experience, for what is yet to come. Moving, parting with parents (the child leaves for the summer with his grandmother, or dad / mom go on a business trip), the children are going to go to kindergarten or school. Play these events, respond if the child spontaneously offers you this game. Change roles, let the child have the opportunity to express all that he feels, waiting for these events. Explore together and tell him in the game what will help him cope with the situation. In the hospital, we often invite parents to play with their children in the medical procedures that are just ahead of them. For example, if a child is afraid of a mask, and he is going to be under anesthesia, we put this mask on toys, on mom, on ourselves. Or the child himself puts it on his face.

The game is not only a good method of relaxation, but also that area of freedom, which sometimes we lack so much! It pushes the boundaries, allowing you to do what, for various reasons, is unacceptable in ordinary life. This is a safe way to express those feelings that are called negative, are considered undesirable. In the game, it is possible to more calmly and peacefully express aggression, rejection of something, relieve tension and throw out what has accumulated, unwind the spring. Mobile, sports games are especially good here. It is not for nothing that the Olympic Games were once a substitute for military competitions: the spirit of rivalry remains, but there is no need to hurt each other. You can achieve and be proud of your successes peacefully and to the joy of everyone!

Throw out aggression

Children always have a lot of tension in the hospital. And this is natural: you have to do what you don’t want to, experience a lot of unpleasant sensations, follow a lot of rules. You are hurt, scared, unpleasant, but you must be very correct, you must obey and fulfill the requirements. There is nowhere to go, but you can express yourself in the game. Color the coloring book across the lines, wrong colors, make the leaves not green and the sky not blue. Draw something ugly, tear the paper into small pieces, and then, perhaps, assemble a beautiful collage from the pieces. But even if the collage does not come together, there is a lot of meaning and pleasure in tearing up for the child, because it allows him to vent the tension. You can become a doctor or a nurse and make medical appointments for your mom, and then scold her for not rinsing her mouth well.

How else can play help a child?

If the child is already very tired or very tense, act proactively: offer him something in advance that can help in a difficult situation. Have stress relief toys handy that you can squeeze, pull, and do whatever you want with them.

In the hospital, we offer children and parents a lot of games related to breathing - inflating an imaginary balloon, blowing out imaginary candles, blowing soap bubbles. Breathing is a simple let to a good psychological state.

It's good if from time to time in a safe environment children have the opportunity to leave something, make noise or shout. In big cities, children are usually asked to be quiet, not to make noise, not to stomp, but now it's summer - and this is a great happiness for everyone. The boundaries are moving apart, there is more freedom, you can scream, run, forget about many restrictions associated with lessons, school or kindergarten.

What if the child stopped playing?

If a child stops playing the way he used to, or does not play what he liked, this is a reason to pay attention. Another disturbing symptom: the child plays the same game all the time, and is not even carried away by it, does not enjoy it. Try to offer him different games, play together and in the game feel what state the child is in, what he needs: remember that sometimes these desires (or unwillingnesses) can be voiced not by the children themselves, but, for example, by their plush friends. If you do not understand the behavior of the child, contact a child psychologist.

Give a child a book! at #KnowReadFest

It has become a good tradition to collect books for young readers of libraries in small towns and villages at every major festival held by the Russian Children's Library. Join the Charity event "Give a child a book!" and donate books to children's libraries Belgorod, Bryansk and Kursk regions .

Russian State Children's Library and Raising the Reader Association supported by group of companies "Delovye Linii" has been helping libraries in small towns and rural areas for the sixth year already. The funds of these libraries especially need to be replenished and updated, because sometimes the library is the only place that provides young readers with access to modern literature and new publications.

Give a child a book!

Doing a good deed and helping libraries is much easier than you think. Join Action "Give a child a book!" and see for yourself. Come to #KnowReadFeste, bring books (in good condition) , that you can give to the guys ! The collection of books will take place in the foyer of the Russian State Children's Library (registration area).

Books previously collected as part of the "Give a child a book!"

Participating libraries "Give a child a book!" at #KnowReadFest in the Russian Children's Library

Central Regional Children's Library

(MKUK "Centralized Library System of the Krasnensky District", Belgorod Region, Krasnensky District, Krasnoye village)

The library opened in 1954. Today it is located in a detached one-story building. A team of reading volunteers “Union of Open Hearts” has been created in the library, the projects “Readers' Yard”, “With a Book on a Bench”, “Play Library in the Library”, “We Read Ourselves, We Read with Us”, “Creation of interactive reading zones “BiblioTIME” are being implemented.

Urazov Model Children's Library

(MKUK "Valuyskaya TsBS", Belgorod region, Valuysky city district, settlement Urazovo)

The library opened in 1952. In 2007, she was given the status of a model. Every year the library serves about 2 thousand readers, the clubs “Cabin of Wisdom” and “I Want to Know Everything” work in it, a volunteer group “We are nearby!” has been created.

Central Children's Library of Shebekinsky City District

(MBUK Centralized Library System, Belgorod Region, Shebekino)

The library opened in 1969. The clubs "Academy of Natural Sciences", the studio of children's literary creativity "Nezhegolskie springs", the school of computer literacy "Interneshk@", the circle "Cinderella workshop" work in it. The online literary magazine "In the hut near Karkushka" is being published, and a virtual database "Duty for Reading Online" is being created.

MBUK "Klimov Intersettlement Central Library"

(Bryansk region, town Klimovo)

The library opened in 1899 and currently serves about 7,000 readers a year. It hosts literary evenings, exhibitions, local history events, the action "PoZyVnoy - Victory!".

Suzemskaya Children's Central Library Branch

(RMBC SMCBBO named after A.V. Sofronov, Bryansk region, Suzemka)

The library opened in 1956. Today it receives about 2 thousand readers annually and is a methodological and coordinating center for 13 rural libraries. In 2007 and 2015, the library became the winner of the regional competition "The Best Library of the Year" in the nomination "The Best Children's Library".

Ryl Central Children's Library Branch

(MKUK "Intersettlement Library of the Rylsky District", Kursk Region)

The library opened in 1935. To date, more than 21,000 children have library cards. The library actively uses new formats of work with readers, including, in particular, action games, quests, book slams, book dress codes.